The water pump is the heart of your RV’s plumbing system, and choosing the right one can mean the difference between enjoying residential-quality water pressure and struggling with a weak, sputtering flow. After decades of installing, testing, and living with RV water pumps, I can tell you that pump selection is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your RV’s comfort and functionality.
Two brands dominate the high-performance RV water pump market: Remco, known for powerful, feature-rich pumps that push the boundaries of what’s possible in RV water systems, and Shurflo, a time-tested industry standard that has earned its reputation through decades of reliable service.
The challenge with RV water pumps is that they need to deliver residential-quality performance while operating on 12V battery power, fitting in tight spaces, and withstanding constant vibration and movement. They need to be quiet enough not to disturb your sleep, powerful enough to supply multiple fixtures simultaneously, and reliable enough to function flawlessly for years. Both Remco and Shurflo have mastered these challenges, but they take distinctly different approaches to pump design and performance.
Today, I’m providing a comprehensive comparison of Remco and Shurflo RV water pumps. This isn’t a theoretical analysis based on spec sheets—it’s real-world evaluation based on years of hands-on experience installing, servicing, and living with both brands in actual RV conditions. Whether you’re upgrading your factory pump or replacing a worn-out unit, this comparison will help you choose the pump that’s right for your RV and your needs.
Remco has built its reputation on innovation and performance, consistently pushing the boundaries of what RV water pumps can achieve. Their pumps feature advanced technologies like variable-speed operation, high flow rates, and sophisticated pressure management. Remco pumps tend to be more expensive but offer features and performance that appeal to RVers who demand the best possible water system. Their product line includes some of the most powerful and sophisticated pumps available for RV use.
Shurflo is one of the most recognized names in RV water pumps, with decades of proven performance in the field. Their approach emphasizes reliability, consistent performance, and value. Shurflo pumps are designed specifically for RV use, with features optimized for the unique demands of mobile living. Their pumps are generally more affordable and have a well-established reputation for longevity and trouble-free operation.
The most significant differences between Remco and Shurflo pumps lie in their approach to pump technology and feature sets. Remco brings cutting-edge innovation to the RV water pump market, while Shurflo focuses on proven designs that have been refined over decades of real-world use.
Remco’s flagship offering is the Remco Aquajet Variable Speed 5.3 GPM RV Water Pump, which represents the cutting edge of RV water pump technology. This pump delivers an impressive 5.3 gallons per minute at 55 PSI, which is substantially more flow and pressure than most RV pumps provide. What sets the Aquajet apart is its variable-speed operation. The pump automatically adjusts its speed based on water demand, providing just enough flow and pressure for the task at hand. This results in quieter operation, reduced power consumption, and more consistent water pressure.
The Aquajet’s variable-speed technology is particularly impressive in real-world use. When you’re just rinsing your hands or filling a glass of water, the pump runs at lower speed, operating quietly and efficiently. When you turn on the shower or multiple fixtures simultaneously, the pump automatically ramps up to provide the flow you need. This intelligent operation eliminates the on-off cycling that’s so common with traditional pumps, resulting in smooth, consistent water flow that feels remarkably similar to residential water systems.
For RVers who want powerful performance in a more traditional package, Remco offers the Remco Rebel 4.0 GPM Single Speed RV Fresh Water Pump, 12V DC. This pump delivers 4.0 GPM at 55 PSI, providing excellent flow and pressure for most RV applications. The Rebel uses a four-chamber diaphragm design that provides smooth flow with minimal pulsation. The pump is self-priming and includes thermal protection to prevent overheating.
What makes the Rebel particularly appealing is its combination of high performance and straightforward operation. Unlike the Aquajet’s variable-speed sophistication, the Rebel is a single-speed pump that delivers consistent, powerful performance every time you turn on a faucet. The pump’s robust construction and quality components ensure years of reliable service, and the 4.0 GPM flow rate is more than adequate for even large RVs with multiple bathrooms.
Remco also offers the unique Remco Power RV Fresh Water Pump, 110 VAC, which operates on 110V AC power rather than the typical 12V DC. This pump is designed for RVers who are always connected to shore power or who want to reduce the load on their 12V system. The AC power allows for a more powerful motor and higher flow rates, and the pump operates with exceptional smoothness and quiet operation.
Shurflo takes a different approach, focusing on proven designs that have been refined over decades of RV use. The Shurflo Revolution Water Pump is their flagship model, representing years of engineering refinement. The Revolution delivers 3.0 GPM at 45 PSI, which is adequate for most RVs and provides a good balance between flow, pressure, and power consumption. The pump features Shurflo’s proprietary Revolution technology, which uses a unique motor and pump head design to provide smooth, quiet operation.
What sets the Shurflo Revolution apart is its legendary reliability. These pumps are built to last, with quality components and robust construction that stands up to years of use and abuse. The Revolution features a soft-start motor that reduces the electrical surge when the pump turns on, extending motor life and reducing stress on your electrical system. The pump is also remarkably quiet, with sound-dampening features that minimize the noise that’s so common with RV water pumps.
For RVers who need more flow, Shurflo offers the Shurflo High Flow Revolution Pump, which delivers 4.0 GPM while maintaining the Revolution’s smooth, quiet operation. This pump is ideal for larger RVs or those with multiple bathrooms where higher flow rates are beneficial. The High Flow Revolution uses the same proven technology as the standard Revolution but with a larger pump head and more powerful motor to deliver increased flow.
Shurflo also offers the Shurflo 105-013 SLV Fresh Water Pump, which provides a more economical option while still delivering reliable Shurflo performance. This pump delivers 3.5 GPM at 45 PSI, providing good flow and pressure at a lower price point than the Revolution series. The SLV pump uses a proven diaphragm design that’s been a Shurflo staple for years, offering reliable performance and easy serviceability.
When it comes to raw performance, Remco pumps generally deliver higher flow rates and pressure than comparable Shurflo models. The Remco Aquajet with its 5.3 GPM flow rate and 55 PSI pressure is one of the most powerful RV water pumps available. This translates to noticeably stronger showers, faster tank filling, and the ability to run multiple fixtures simultaneously without pressure drop.
In my testing and real-world use, the Aquajet provides water pressure that genuinely rivals residential systems. The variable-speed operation means the pump provides exactly the flow you need, whether you’re filling a glass of water or running the shower and bathroom sink simultaneously. The 55 PSI pressure is substantially higher than most RV pumps provide, and you can feel the difference in every fixture. The pump’s high flow rate also means you can fill your fresh water tank quickly when boondocking, which is a practical advantage that’s easy to overlook until you need it.
The Remco Rebel also delivers impressive performance with its 4.0 GPM flow rate and 55 PSI pressure. While not as sophisticated as the Aquajet, the Rebel provides powerful, consistent flow that handles multiple fixtures with ease. The four-chamber diaphragm design provides smoother flow than three-chamber pumps, reducing the pulsation that can be noticeable with some RV water pumps.
Shurflo pumps, while generally offering lower flow rates and pressure than Remco’s high-performance models, deliver exceptionally consistent and reliable performance. The Shurflo Revolution with its 3.0 GPM flow rate and 45 PSI pressure provides adequate flow and pressure for most RV applications. What the Revolution lacks in raw power, it makes up for in smooth, quiet, consistent operation. The pump’s soft-start motor and optimized pump head design result in flow that’s remarkably smooth and free of pulsation.
In real-world use, the Revolution provides water pressure that feels solid and consistent. While it doesn’t have the raw power of the Aquajet, it delivers reliable performance that satisfies most RVers’ needs. The pump handles showers, dishwashing, and other typical RV water uses without struggle, and its consistent pressure means you don’t experience the pressure fluctuations that can occur with less sophisticated pumps.
The Shurflo High Flow Revolution bridges the gap between the standard Revolution and Remco’s high-performance pumps, delivering 4.0 GPM while maintaining Shurflo’s legendary reliability. This pump provides noticeably better flow than the standard Revolution, making it ideal for larger RVs or those who want more robust water system performance.
Noise is a critical consideration for RV water pumps, as they typically operate in close proximity to living spaces. Remco’s variable-speed pumps have a significant advantage here, as they only run as fast as necessary to meet demand. Shurflo addresses noise through sound-dampening design and smooth motor operation.
The Remco Aquajet is remarkably quiet in typical use. When you’re using small amounts of water, the pump runs at low speed and is barely audible. Even at full speed when multiple fixtures are running, the Aquajet is quieter than most traditional RV pumps. The variable-speed operation also eliminates the on-off cycling that creates the distinctive “pump buzz” that’s so common in RVs. Instead of the pump turning on and off constantly, it runs continuously at the speed needed to maintain pressure, resulting in much less noticeable noise.
The Shurflo Revolution is also impressively quiet, though it achieves this through different means. The Revolution uses sound-dampening materials and a carefully designed motor that runs smoothly and quietly. While the pump does cycle on and off like traditional pumps, the soft-start motor reduces the noise of startup, and the overall operation is much quieter than older Shurflo models or competitor pumps.
Installation requirements differ between Remco and Shurflo pumps, reflecting their different design philosophies. Remco’s advanced pumps, particularly the Aquajet, require more sophisticated installation and setup. Shurflo pumps are designed for straightforward installation that follows traditional RV plumbing practices.
The Remco Aquajet requires careful installation to ensure proper operation of the variable-speed controller. The pump’s electronic controls need to be properly configured, and the electrical connections must be made correctly to ensure reliable operation. I recommend professional installation for the Aquajet to ensure everything is set up properly and to maintain warranty coverage.
Shurflo pumps are designed for straightforward installation using standard RV plumbing practices. The pumps use standard 1/2-inch barbed fittings for water connections and simple 12V wiring for electrical connections. Many experienced RVers successfully install Shurflo pumps themselves, though professional installation is always recommended for warranty purposes and to ensure proper mounting and plumbing.
Serviceability is another area where the two brands differ. Remco’s advanced pumps, with their sophisticated electronics and variable-speed controls, generally require professional service when problems arise. Shurflo pumps are designed for easier service, with replacement parts readily available and repairs that can often be performed by knowledgeable RVers or local service centers.
Shurflo has decades of proven reliability in the field, with millions of pumps operating successfully in RVs worldwide. The Shurflo Revolution and other Shurflo models have earned a reputation for longevity, with many pumps providing years of trouble-free service. Remco pumps are newer to the market and don’t have the same decades-long track record, but they’re built with quality components and backed by solid warranties.
In my experience, both brands produce reliable pumps when properly installed and maintained. Shurflo’s simpler designs with fewer electronic components may have a slight edge in long-term reliability, while Remco’s more sophisticated pumps offer better performance and features. The choice often comes down to whether you prioritize proven longevity or advanced performance.
Remco pumps command premium prices, reflecting their advanced features, high performance, and sophisticated engineering. The Aquajet is one of the most expensive RV water pumps available, but it offers performance that no other pump can match. For RVers who want the best possible water system and are willing to pay for it, Remco pumps deliver exceptional value.
Shurflo pumps are generally more affordable, offering excellent performance and proven reliability at accessible price points. The Revolution and SLV models represent excellent value, providing reliable water pressure without breaking the bank. For budget-conscious RVers or those who prioritize proven reliability over cutting-edge features, Shurflo pumps are hard to beat.
Choose Remco if you:
Choose Shurflo if you:
Both Remco and Shurflo make excellent RV water pumps that will dramatically improve your water system over factory-installed pumps. Remco brings cutting-edge technology and maximum performance, offering features and flow rates that push the boundaries of what’s possible in RV water systems. Shurflo delivers proven reliability, consistent performance, and straightforward operation backed by decades of success in the field. The right choice depends on your priorities, budget, and how you use your RV.
I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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